Janet Houser, Ph.D., Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions (RHCHP) Academic Dean, discusses standing at the intersection of science and caring, and helping you take the next step in your calling.

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Learning Formats

Take Courses in the Way that Works Best for You

Regis University’s Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions (RHCHP) has programs whose classes are delivered on campus and online, as we strive to offer programs that will best meet our student’s educational and professional goals. The format(s) in which a program is delivered is respective of the program.

Students attending campus based health care programs attend classes at Regis University's North Denver (Lowell) campus, our flagship campus. The campus is slightly northwest of downtown Denver and a quick drive west toward the Rocky Mountains. It's a beautiful campus, in an amazing location.

Students entering the health professions to become nurses, pharmacists or physical therapists will attend classes on campus, and schedules are typically M-F, although for select programs clinical may be required on weekends.

Working professions who are pursuing additional education and prefer campus-based programs vs. online, attend class on our main campus as well. Classes are typically taught in an 8-week term either one-evening-per-week, or full day classes held every-other-weekend. Our schedules are designed to allow you flexibility and convenience in reaching your educational goals.

For some programs we offer blended formats which include both classroom and online courses. This allows great convenience, but also personal contact and guidance.

Regis University is a pioneer in online education, offering one of the leading online continuing education programs in the country. In 1997, when the Internet was in its infancy, Regis University launched its online MBA program, which is still one of the most popular and respected online MBA programs today. Regis has continued that tradition of excellence in online learning with programs through the entire University, including many in the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. Several of RHCHP's academic programs are can be completed 100% online.

Online courses offer the flexibility you need to accommodate professional and personal obligations, while you complete your degree or certificate. You can study and interact online from home or on the road. Online degree courses are offered in 8-week accelerated terms which in most cases allows you to focus on one course at a time, but still allows you to progress toward graduation at an accelerated pace. Online degree courses allow you to read, do research, and interact with your facilitator and other students throughout the United States. The online degree format adheres to a structured schedule with assignments due weekly. Online courses are not self-paced, you must keep up with the assignments and discussions, but do allow flexibility as far as when and where you study. Find out more about online learning and if it's right for you.

Tips for Online Learning

Like the facilitator, the online student possesses unique qualities. The online students of today consist of a diverse community of students that include many working people who are trying to better their opportunities to continue their education. Campus courses will never go away, but the online classroom has become a vital compliment to a student's education options.

In general, the online student should possess the following qualities:

The student should be able to communicate through writing.
In the online classroom, nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that students feel comfortable expressing themselves in writing. Many students have limited writing abilities, which should be addressed before or as part of the online experience. Remedial efforts on the part of the student may be required.

Be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
With the freedom and flexibility of the online environment comes responsibility. The online process takes a real commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the process.

Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms that classroom instructors use to determine whether students are having problems (confusion, frustration, boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online environment. If a student is experiencing difficulty on any level (either with the technology or with the course content), he or she must communicate this immediately. Otherwise the instructor will never know what is wrong.

Be willing and able to commit to 15 to 20 hours per week per course.
Online courses are not easier than the traditional educational process. In fact, many students will say they require much more time and commitment.

Be able to work with others in completing projects

Be able to use the technology properly

Be able to meet the minimum standards as set forth by the institution

Be able to complete assignments on time
The online learning process is normally accelerated and requires a serious commitment. Staying current with the class and completing all work on time is vital. Once a student gets behind, it is very difficult to catch up. Basically, the student needs to want to be there, and needs to want the experience. The instructor may have to contact students personally to offer assistance and remind the student of the need to keep up.

Am I right for the online format?

Take the following self-assessment. If you can positively identify with the following items, you should be successful in the online format.

I have excellent organizational skills.

I tend to get things done ahead of time rather than waiting to the last minute.

I do not need immediate feedback on assignments and I will not get frustrated when I have to wait.

I like learning about new technologies; they don't intimidate me.

I am a very comfortable and skilled reader.

I like engaging in written communication.

I can find at least 15 to 20 hours a week to devote to each online course I may take.

I have unrestricted access to a computer and to the internet (both must be true).

I can perform the following computer tasks:

Turn my computer on, off, and reboot

Comfortably use a mouse

Create folders on the desktop and organize files

Find lost files on my hard drive

Create a new word processing document

Open, spell check and save a word processing document

Save files to the desktop

I can perform or am aware of the following Internet skills:

Use a URL (Universal Resource Locator) or web address

Use the refresher reload button on my browser

Create and use bookmarks or favorites

Search the web using a search engine

Download and install programs or plugins

Send and receive e-mail

Attach a file to an outgoing e-mail message

I currently have an email address.

I have the system requirements.

If I do not have adequate software and hardware, I am willing to obtain or locate it.

Rules of the Road and Ethics

Online courses are based on the premise that students learn best in a community. The instructor plays an important role, but this is a different role than most instructors play in the physical classroom. You'll see a shift in the way classes work. However, some things don't change: the practices of courtesy and respect that apply in the ordinary classroom also apply online, and require even more attention. Here are some guidelines:

Participate. In the online environment, it's not enough to show up! We need to hear your voice to feel your presence, and we especially need your comments add to the information, the shared learning, and the sense of community in each class.

Share tips, helps, and questions. For many, taking online courses is a new frontier. There are no dumb questions, and even if you think your solution is obvious, please share it! Someone in the class will appreciate it.

Think before you push the send button. Did you say just what you meant? How will the person on the other end read the words? While you can't anticipate all reactions, do read over what you've written before you send it.

Remember that people can't see the grin on your face when you make a sarcastic comment, or the concern on your face if you only say a couple of words, and people can't read your mind and fill in the gaps if you abbreviate your comments.

Remember there's a person on the other side. Ask for feedback if you're not sure how your ideas and comments will be taken. If you disagree with what someone has said, practice all your communication skills as you express that disagreement. "Flaming," or flying off the handle and ranting at someone else is unacceptable; it's the equivalent of having a tantrum, something most of us wouldn't do in an onsite, face to face classroom.

Any derogatory or inappropriate comments regarding race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, are unacceptable and subject to the same disciplinary action that they would receive if they occurred in the physical classroom. If you have concerns about something that has been said, please let your instructor know.

Plagiarism, cheating and other violations of ethical student behavior are serious actions in a learning community. You should expect to be treated accordingly. Specific policies regarding such actions are spelled out in the Student Bulletin. Any inappropriate behavior in an online course will result in the student being removed from the course.